Higher education means intellectually advanced

Published: Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 12:29 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 12:31 p.m.

To The Editor: I was delighted to read Stephen Black's remarks in his May
24 column.

I appreciated the respectful tone he took in referring to me as "the
writer," instead of "the ignoramus."

Unfortunately, I must disagree with Mr. Black once more.
I don't believe that abstaining from watching or reading pornographic
literature should be labeled "immature."

The subject of human sexuality is a popular theme within academic circles.
However, as it is also a popular theme within adolescent circles, I don't
think its mere presence should be considered plausible evidence of
maturity.

Many assume that literature with sexual content is more "grown-up."
Those who view it more conservatively are ridiculed by Mr. Black as
"gutless puppies" who aren't mature enough to face "the real world of
college."

Colleges were instituted for the pursuit of higher education — "higher"
implying intellectually advanced or more profound, not just taller than you
were in middle school.

Education should heighten the student's character, not shipwreck his
morality for the sake of his becoming more "open-minded."

Academic freedom will not be attained by blindly swallowing every
publication you find in your path (or in your textbook), but by carefully
selecting good literature that edifies the reader.

To The Editor: I was delighted to read Stephen Black's remarks in his May
24 column.<p>
I appreciated the respectful tone he took in referring to me as "the
writer," instead of "the ignoramus."<p>
Unfortunately, I must disagree with Mr. Black once more.
I don't believe that abstaining from watching or reading pornographic
literature should be labeled "immature."<p>
The subject of human sexuality is a popular theme within academic circles.
However, as it is also a popular theme within adolescent circles, I don't
think its mere presence should be considered plausible evidence of
maturity.<p>
Many assume that literature with sexual content is more "grown-up."
Those who view it more conservatively are ridiculed by Mr. Black as
"gutless puppies" who aren't mature enough to face "the real world of
college."<p>
Colleges were instituted for the pursuit of higher education  "higher"
implying intellectually advanced or more profound, not just taller than you
were in middle school.<p>
Education should heighten the student's character, not shipwreck his
morality for the sake of his becoming more "open-minded."<p>
Academic freedom will not be attained by blindly swallowing every
publication you find in your path (or in your textbook), but by carefully
selecting good literature that edifies the reader.<p>
Sharon Long<p> Mills River